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“And I’m Miranda,” a dark-haired woman with a medium build says. “I’m Stanly’s better half.”
Sheila takes over. “It’s up to us to make our men look even better than they do without us on their arms. This summit is a major event. We have to be prepared and well-dressed at all times. Full makeup and hair are absolute musts.”
I don’t know how to do my hair and makeup the way they do, and I must look a little frantic because Miranda, who sits on my right, puts her hand on my arm. “We will all have people to do those things for us.”
“Yes,” Sheila agrees. “I’ve taken the reins here, Lisa. No need to worry at all. My hair and makeup girl has a sister who will do you. Our assistants will be staying in adjoining hotel rooms to each of us. That way, they’ll be right there, and there will never be a need to leave your hotel room without looking the best you possibly can.”
“This is a lot,” I comment quietly.
“It really is,” Lola agrees. “But it sounds like we’re going to be treated like royalty, so I’m excited.”
Sheila is all smiles. “You will absolutely be treated like royalty. We all will. We have so much to do too. After this, we’re heading in my car to see my personal jeweler, who will find us the perfect jewels to wear with our outfits. And everything is going to be real, so promise me you’ll be very careful not to lose or break anything.”
I can’t help but grin. “This is crazy.”
Candy makes a shrill little scream. “I know! Isn’t it amazing?”
The excitement is contagious, and before I know it, I’m as enthusiastic as they are.
The champagne flows, and the dressmakers show us what they’ll be making for us. Then, we move on to the jewelers. Riding with Sheila in her luxurious limo, I look over my shoulder out the back window to see all the cars following this one. It’s like some prestigious parade of celebrities or politicians or something.
Miranda refills our glasses as we chatter on about the summit and what will happen while we’re there. “I can’t lie. I’m scared to death about being in the company of so many powerful men.”
Fanning herself, Candy nods. “Me too. I can’t imagine how much crazy energy will be flowing around this thing.”
“So I’m not the only one.” I sip the drink. “I thought it would just be me.”
Sheila reaches across and pats me on the knee. “None of us have ever been to anything like this, Lisa. We’re all on edge about it. But that’s exactly why I’m going to make sure we look absolutely gorgeous at all times. If nothing else, I want tongues to wag about the beautiful women in the Vietti family.”
Candy chews on her lower lip as she looks directly at me. “Your eyes are your best feature, Lisa. So soulful.”
“I love your hair, Candy. It’s such a vibrant shade of red.” As we compliment each other, I feel we’re becoming real friends. And God knows I’m going to want people I trust around me when we get to the summit.
The car comes to a stop. We pile out and then head through a discreet pale green door on a gray building. I would never think this is a jewelry store.
And once I’m inside, I can see why. “This isn’t a store at all.”
Sheila just grins. “It’s not a store. This is where our family’s jewels are kept.”
Now I really feel like royalty. The Vietti family has its own jewels? How rich are these people?
Men wearing black suits and white gloves come out of a black-curtained entrance, all carrying medium-sized black boxes. They move to stand in a line in front of us, then snap the lids open.
The lights above are brought from dim to full, and the brilliance of the jewels stands out like strobe lights in a disco club. Not one of us is ready for all this.
Except Sheila, who has obviously been here before. “Okay, ladies,” she says, “we have decisions to make. We each will pick two sets. Consider the colors you’ll be wearing when you make your choices.”
Overwhelmed by the whole thing, and maybe a little because of the champagne I’ve drunk, I feel like I might pass out. “This is so intense.”
“But fun!” Candy squeals.
I try to feel more like everyone else does and take a deep breath before moving closer to take a look at all the jewels we have to choose from. “I’m wearing blue,” I say, “and the other dress is black.”
One of the men steps forward, and I look to find sapphires shimmering all over a necklace, earring, bracelet, and ring set. Sheila comes to look over my shoulder. “Absolutely this set. For the black dress.”
“Not the blue one?” I ask, as that’s what I thought of when I saw it.
“No. Not the blue one. That’s too matchy-matchy. Go diamonds for the blue one.” She moves on to help Lola pick out something.
